Ales for Alzheimer’s at Meddlesome Brewing Company

When Wes Milligan was a journalist in 2004, he was asked to write a story about Alzheimer’s. He didn’t know much about the disease then. But after researching it, he decided to interview people who were suffering from Alzheimer’s and the caregivers who were with them every step of the way.

“The experience was heart wrenching,” Milligan said. “Those I interviewed were forgetting their loved ones and most cherished memories – everything they were – as each day went by. The toll on their caregivers was immense too. It just didn’t seem fair.”

The Alzheimer’s Association quickly became his charity of choice following the experience, and recently, he has stepped up his fundraising game, raising more than $10,000 in 2015 and again in 2016, thanks to the generosity of family, sponsorships and friends.

One of those friends, Ryan Guess of Memphis Craft Beer, is the catalyst of a unique fundraiser the duo created for craft beer lovers; Ales for Alzheimer’s.

The fundraiser is simple. For $100, attendees are able to sample rare craft beers from Guess’ personal cellar. Food is included and Meddlesome Brewing in Cordova, Tenn. hosts the event. The best part? 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The next Ales for Alzheimer’s is Friday, Nov. 3. The event is capped at 25 tickets, and Guess has already posted a sneak preview of what beers will be available on the event’s Facebook page. Let’s just say there will be beers from Side Project, Cantillon, Rare Barrel, Casey, Bruery and more.

This year, Milligan has set his highest fundraising goal ever; $14,000. He is close to his goal but admits only a sold-out Ales for Alzheimer’s will put him over the top to #ENDALZ.